children and in hand showing

[cloang]

As we think our pony will be unrideable for a while due to saddle problems, I was think ing of letting my 8 year old daughter try some fun in hand showing, just for a confidence boost and to help her bond with her pony.

Our pony is not really a "show pony" but there are usually some fun type of classes at the local shows.

Would love some hints and tips about what is expected and if anyone else does this at 8.

Thanks

[Mehitabel]

child handler is always a good one - not judged on the pony at all, just the way it is handleed by the kid. normally in different groups for ages of child. then there are classes like prettiest mare/handsomest gelding, best conditioned, etc.

for the format of an inhand class see here - http://historicalfact.com/~es/horses/showing/what_to_do_inhand.html - they are all mostly the same.
she will need to be neat and tidy - trousers and a tweed jacket and shirt and tie are best, but riding gear will be fine. she must wear hat and gloves.

[cloang]

Thanks Mehitabel, Just what we needed, Will be doing lots of groundwork now and see how we get on.

[NoviceNic]

Jaz and Bonnie did quite a few in hands last year. She loved every minute of it. Try the novelty classes. Best Mane and Tail and Prettiest Mare etc. The kids love it. Rossettes to everyone as well. Oh and a tip would be to enter into every novelty class as the judges tend to make sure all the kids get a good placed rossette. ;) A good bit of advise is to let Chloe go in last and then follow and watch what the judge asks everyone to do. Take your camera please and send them to Jazz to see. :)

[cloang]

:D Thanks for the tops NN;) . Will definitely keep you updated.